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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
These Are the Times That Try Men's Souls
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

These Are the Times That Try Men's Souls

Artifact ID1973.1.291
Publisher ()
Date ca. August 1967
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 17 in x W 14 1/8 in (43.2 cm x 35.9 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ is the captain of a ship ("U.S.S. Presidency") which has many patches ("Higher Taxes”, “High Cost of Living”, “Vietnam”, “Crime in Cities"). A woman (“Shirley Temple Black”) steers another ship (“The Good Ship Lollipop”), which fires at LBJ’s ship. Caption: “These Are the Times That Try Men's Souls”. Additional text at lower right: “New Orleans Times-Picayune Aug. 31, 1967”. Artist signature lower right: "Pletcher”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower left: "To President Lyndon B. Johnson, with all good wishes. Eldon Pletcher".
Historical NoteShirley Temple Black was a child actress who appeared in films during the 1930s and later became a Republican diplomat.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from the general public to President Johnson during his term in office. It was received by President Johnson, until the President donated it to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in 1973.
Credit LineGift of Lyndon Baines Johnson
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum. The LBJ Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Person Referenced Shirley Temple Black (United States, 1928 - 2014)
Not on view
Place of Publication